Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly can increase the value of your home. This can also increase the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
However, it isn't always easy to determine whether the issue you're experiencing requires professional attention. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that require to be addressed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential part of your window system. They protect, insulate and seal windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time however, the reality is that they could require repair or replacement at some moment. There are several options available for repair, depending on your budget.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most commonly reported signs that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture seep in, creating condensation. While you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, like using a steamer or window putty, the most efficient solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional.
A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled by inert gas such as argon and xenon that aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and retain warm within the house. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will rise.
As time passes, rubber gaskets will begin to lose their elasticity due to age and exposure. The degradation can be accelerated by insufficient treatment or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water infiltration into the building envelope resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and damaging your insulation.
The best way to avoid a breakdown of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows, because it could work its way into the sash and damage the seal. Don't apply reflective films to your window that is insulated, since this could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant. Also, be Double Glazing Repairs when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, since they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is an obvious problem that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can fall and break windows, or create drafts and even insects or water to get into your home. A broken pane of glass could pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. Shattered glass is not only a safety risk however, it can also be difficult to remove and cause further damage to sash and frames and other surfaces.
The first thing to do when a window is damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and debris out of the home until you are able to replace your glass. This method is especially important for windows that are higher up.
Then, be sure to take precautions by wearing thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With a putty or pliers, pry old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. After the glass has been removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
It's important to measure the window opening and make sure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted however if you're looking for security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to have to be custom cut for the frame. To avoid mistakes, measure the window opening and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass you just bought, insert it carefully into the frame and ensure it's a flush fit to the rabbets that hold it. A new glass pane that's too large can swell and cloud the wood around it, while one that's too small could fall off the frame and let drafts enter your home.
Once the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another piece of glaziers' compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. Once dry, paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems are crucial for the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, a professional inspects fasteners, anchor points, and supports for signs of corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. They also inspect the gaskets and sealants, to ensure that they have been installed correctly and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural problems that need to be addressed. These problems can be very hazardous and could result in severe damage over the course of time. It is important to fix any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support in order to withstand wind loads and other strains. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. The underlying causes of these failures are due to inadequate construction, design mistakes and poor installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels, which can impact the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glass inspector will check for signs of warping and suggest repair measures if necessary.
The first step of an inspection of glazing is to make sure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them and applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like replacing sliding mechanisms and major sash or frame parts are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers.
Replacing an existing curtain wall system usually involves a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and improved comfort of the occupants could eventually pay for the initial investment. A new system could assist in bringing an existing structure into line with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and fix a variety of issues with sash windows. A professional window inspection can detect things like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good order to be used in the future. Fortunately, the most common problems are less serious and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Issues like the sash not closing or open could be frustrating and impact the energy efficiency of your home. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage and loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your window sash and spraying lubricant on it can make them easier to open and close. If the issue persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes absorb water over time and can be affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them swell and shrink, which can cause them become stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a tight seal on the wood, and applying regularly a sash sealer or painting to shield against moisture.
Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged the sash lock, cord displacement and nail jamming which all make windows more difficult to open and close. A carpenter can solve these issues by removing the sash and fixing or replacing damaged parts, and then re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to restore their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good order to guard against the ingress of water and rot, which could occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to keep it from leaking water into surrounding timber, causing wood decay.